Without using any so-called ‘folk’ instruments, Obscurity already defends nearly fifteen years the true Viking/pagan heritage with lyrics about their own region: Das Bergischen Land in Germany. Fortunately they do not give up and recently they released their sixth studio album, simply called after the name of the band. It assures us of a proper portion fetching hymns with bellicose nature.

Just like the two previous albums ’Varar’ and ‘Tenkterra’ this new effort happens to be recorded and finalized at 4CN Studios with producer Bony Hoff. This is, without any doubt, the most fetching and catchy album they have made so far. Introvert passages with acoustic guitars are reduced to the minimum and influences of Amon Amarth have decreased. More precisely, guitar axe-men Dornaz and Cortez seem to have finished their Amon Amarth crash course with fruitful result; that’s why the album brims with infectious guitar ornaments and jump-or-die rhythms. Singer Agalaz goes for that ferocious Johan Hegg method when low-pitched growls are intermittent with shriek-like blackened screams. I like it, but it surely will cause any criticism. I would say: the Swedish mother band should take these guys on tour with them instead of a bunch of nitwit nu metal nerds, so that these Germans can finally win some souls at the merchandising stand.

‘Obscurity’ includes a number of fast and furious tracks in which blastbeats and merciless energy prevails. ‘Germanenblut’, the speedy ‘Blutmondzeit’ with acoustic fragment at the end and the raucous, overwhelming ‘Fimbulwinter’ (of course, since this is dealing with eternal winter preceding the Apocalypse that will end all of our lives) are perfect examples of this ruthless devastation. But that is not all we experience. In addition to an opulence of fetching rhythms and melodic guitar accents I want to focus on ‘Ensamvarg’. This longest track is the most epic as well, slower and surprised me with a passage of Hypocrisy/Pink Floyd atmosphere. The wild galloping ‘Weltenbrand’ can be considered as a highlight as well. Another tradition is cherished: they round off with a slow track with doom-alike riffs. ‘So Endet Meine Zeit’ includes atmospheric chants and adds a proper amount of bombastic symphonic arrangements. This Obscurity album appears to be the catchiest and born to impress raging crowds at gigs. Cover artwork was done by Jobert Mello, who worked previously for Sabaton. An album that cheers you up and gives you courage and energy!